U.S. patent number 6,019,980 [Application Number 08/476,397] was granted by the patent office on 2000-02-01 for nucleic acid respiratory syncytial virus vaccines.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Connaught Laboratories Limited. Invention is credited to Mary E. Ewashysyn, Michel H. Klein, Xiaomao Li.
United States Patent |
6,019,980 |
Li , et al. |
February 1, 2000 |
Nucleic acid respiratory syncytial virus vaccines
Abstract
Vectors containing a nucleotide sequence coding for an F protein
of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a promoter for such
sequence, preferably a cytomegalovirus promoter, are described.
Such vectors also may contain a further nucleotide sequence located
adjacent to the RSV F protein encoding sequence to enhance the
immunoprotective ability of the RSV F protein when expressed in
vivo. Such vectors may be used to immunize a host, including a
human host, by administration thereto. Such vectors also may be
used to produce antibodies for detection of RSV infection in a
sample.
Inventors: |
Li; Xiaomao (Thornhill,
CA), Ewashysyn; Mary E. (Willowdale, CA),
Klein; Michel H. (Willowdale, CA) |
Assignee: |
Connaught Laboratories Limited
(Willowdale, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
23891664 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/476,397 |
Filed: |
June 7, 1995 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/211.1;
435/320.1; 514/44R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P
11/00 (20180101); A61P 31/14 (20180101); A61P
37/04 (20180101); C07K 14/005 (20130101); A61P
31/12 (20180101); C12N 2760/18522 (20130101); A61K
39/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C07K
14/135 (20060101); C07K 14/005 (20060101); A61K
39/00 (20060101); C12N 015/63 (); A61K
031/70 () |
Field of
Search: |
;435/69.1,69.3,320.1
;536/23.1,23.72,24.1 ;514/44 ;424/211.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
5149650 |
September 1992 |
Wertz et al. |
|
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Chanock, Robert M. et al, Pediatrics vol. 90 No. 1, Jul. 1992, pp.
137-142. .
Prince et al, J. Virol., 61:1851-1854, Jun. 1987. .
Crowe et al, PNAS 91:1386-1390, Feb. 1994. .
Prince et al, J. Virol. 55:517; Virus Res. 3; 193-206, 1985. .
Groothuis et al, N. Engl. J. Med. 329:1524-1530, Nov. 1993. .
Walsh et al, J. Infec. Dis., 155: 1198-1204, Jun. 1987. .
Paradiso et al, Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 13:792-798, 1994. .
Hemming et al, J. Infect. Dis., 152:1083-1087, (1985). .
Tang et al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268:9522-9525. .
Collis et al. (1990) EMBO J. 9:233-240..
|
Primary Examiner: Guzo; David
Assistant Examiner: Schwartzman; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sim & McBurney
Claims
What we claim is:
1. An immunogenic composition for in vivo administration to a host
for the generation in the host of protective antibodies to RSV F
protein, comprising a plasmid vector comprising:
a first nucleotide sequence encoding a RSV F protein or a RSV F
protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react
with RSV F protein;
a promoter sequence operatively coupled to said first nucleotide
sequence for expression of said RSV F protein in the host, and
a second nucleotide sequence located between said first nucleotide
sequence and said promoter sequence and comprising a pair of splice
sites to prevent aberrant mRNA splicing and to increase expression
of said RSV F protein in vivo from said vector in the host, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said first nucleotide
sequence encodes a full-length RSV F protein.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said first nucleotide
sequence encodes a RSV F protein from which the transmembrane
region is absent.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said first nucleotide
sequence encodes a RSV F protein and contains a translational stop
codon immediately upstream of the start of the transmembrane coding
region to prevent translation of the transmembrane coding
region.
5. The composition of claim 1 wherein said promoter sequence is a
immediate early cytomegalovirus promoter.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said second nucleotide
sequence is that of rabbit .beta.-globin intron II.
7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the plasmid vector is pXL2 as
shown in FIG. 5.
8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the plasmid vector is pXL4 as
shown in FIG. 7.
9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the plasmid vector is pXL1 as
shown in FIG. 4.
10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the plasmid vector is pXL3
as shown in FIG. 6.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is related to the field of Respiratory
Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines and is particularly concerned with
vaccines comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding the fusion (F)
protein of RSV.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a negative-strand RNA virus
belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family of viruses, is the major
viral pathogen responsible for bronchiolitis and pneumonia in
infants and young children (ref. 1--Throughout this application,
various references are referred to in parenthesis to more fully
describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.
Full bibliographic information for each citation is found at the
end of the specification, immediately preceding the claims. The
disclosures of these references are hereby incorporated by
reference into the present disclosure). Acute respiratory tract
infections caused by RSV result in approximately 90,000
hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths per year in the United states
(ref. 2). Medical care costs due to RSV infection are greater than
$340 M annually in the United States alone (ref. 3). There is
currently no licensed vaccine against RSV. The main approaches for
developing an RSV vaccine have included inactivated virus,
live-attenuated viruses and subunit vaccines.
The F protein of RSV is considered to be one of the most important
protective antigens of the virus. There is a significant similarity
(89% identity) in the amino acid sequences of the F proteins from
RSV subgroups A and B (ref. 3) and anti-F antibodies can
cross-neutralize viruses of both subgroups as well as protect
immunized animals against infection with viruses from both
subgroups (ref. 4). Furthermore, the F protein has been identified
as a major target for RSV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in mice
and humans (ref. 3 and ref. 5).
The use of RSV proteins as vaccines may have obstacles.
Parenterally administered vaccine candidates of these types have
proven poorly immunogenic with regard to the induction of
neutralizing antibodies in seronegative humans or chimpanzees. The
serum antibody response induced by these antigens may be further
diminished in the presence of passively acquired antibodies, such
as the transplacentally acquired maternal antibodies which most
young infants possess. A subunit vaccine candidate for RSV
consisting of purified fusion glycoprotein from RSV infected call
cultures and purified by imunoaffinity or ion-exchange
chromatography has bean described (ref. 6). Parenteral immunization
of seronegative or seropositive chimpanzees with this preparation
was performed and three doses of 50 .mu.g were required in
seronegative animals to induce RSV serum neutralizing titre of
approximately 1:50. Upon, subsequent challenge of these animals
with wild-type RSV, no affect of immunization on virus shedding or
clinical disease could be detected in the upper respiratory tract.
The effect of immunization with this vaccine on virus shedding in
the lower respiratory tract was not investigated, although this is
the site where the serum antibody induced by parenteral
immunization may be expected to have its greatest effect.
Ten safety and immunogenicity studies have been performed in a
small number of seropositive individuals. This vaccine was found to
be safe in seropositive children and in three seronegative children
(all >2.4 years of age). The effects of immunization on lower
respiratory disease could not be determined because of the small
number of children immunized. One immunizing dose in seropositive
children induced a 4-fold increase in virus neutralizing antibody
titres in 40 to 60% of the vaccinees. Thus, insufficient
information is available from these small studies to evaluate the
efficacy of this vaccine against RSV-induced disease. A further
problem facing subunit RSV vaccines is the possibility that
inoculation of seronegative subjects with immunogenic preparations
might result in disease enhancement (sometimes referred to as
immunopotentiation), similar to that seen in formalin inactivated
RSV vaccines. In some studies, the immune response to immunization
with RSV F protein or a synthetic RSV FG fusion protein resulted in
a disease enhancement in rodents resembling that induced by a
formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine. The association of immunization
with disease enhancement using non-replicating antigens suggests
caution in their use as vaccines in seronegative humans.
Live attenuated vaccine against disease caused by RSV may be
promising for two main reasons. First, infection by a live vaccine
virus induces a balanced immune response comprising mucosal and
serum antibodies and cytolytic T-lymphocytes. Second, primary
infection of infants with live attenuated vaccine candidates or
naturally acquired wild-type virus is not associated with enhanced
disease upon subsequent natural reinfection. It will be challenging
to produce live attenuated vaccines that are immunogenic for
younger infants who possess maternal virus-neutralizing antibodies
and yet are attenuated for seronegative infants greater than or
equal to 6 months. Attenuated live virus vaccines also have the
risks of residual virulence and genetic instability.
Injection of plasmid DNA containing sequences encoding a foreign
protein has been shown to result in expression of the foreign
protein and the induction of antibody and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
responses to the antigen in a number of studies (see, for example,
refs. 7, 8, 9). The use of plasmid DNA inoculation to express viral
proteins for the purpose of immunization may offer several
advantages over the strategies summarized above. Firstly, DNA
encoding a viral antigen can be introduced in the presence of
antibody to the virus itself, without loss of potency due to
neutralization of virus by the antibodies. Secondly, the antigen
expressed in vivo should exhibit a native conformation and,
therefore, should induce an antibody response similar to that
induced by the antigen present in the wild-type virus infection. In
contrast, processes used in purification of proteins can induce
conformational changes which may result in the loss of
immunogenicity of protective epitopes and possibly
immunopotentiation. Thirdly, the expression of proteins from
injected plasmid DNAs can be detected in vivo for a considerably
longer period of time than that in virus-infected cells, and this
has the theoretical advantage of prolonged cytolytic T-cell and
enhanced antibody responses. Fourthly, in vivo expression of
antigen may provide protection without the need for extrinsic
adjuvant.
The ability to immunize against disease caused by RSV by
administration of a DNA molecule encoding an RSV F protein was
unknown before the present invention. In particular, the efficacy
of immunization against RSV induced disease using a gene encoding a
secreted form of the RSV F protein was unknown. It would be useful
and desirable to provide isolated genes encoding RSV F protein and
vectors for in vivo administration for use in immunogenic
preparations, including vaccines, for protection against disease
caused by RSV and for the generation of diagnostic reagents and
kits. In particular, it would be desirable to provide vaccines that
are immunogenic and protective in humans, including seronegative
infants, that do not cause disease enhancement.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of immunizing a host
against disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus, to nucleic
acid molecules used therein, and to diagnostic procedures utilizing
the nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the present invention is
directed towards the provision of nucleic acid respiratory
syncytial virus vaccines.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a
vector, comprising:
a first nucleotide sequence encoding a RSV F protein or a protein
capable of generating antibodies that specifically react with RSV F
protein;
a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide
sequence for expression of the RSV F protein, and
a second nucleotide sequence located adjacent the first nucleotide
sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F
protein when expressed in vivo from the vector in a host.
The first nucleotide sequence may be that which encodes a
full-length RSV F protein, as seen in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID No: 2).
Alternatively, the first nucleotide sequence may be that which
encodes a RSV F protein from which the transmembrane region is
absent. The latter embodiment may be provided by a nucleotide
sequence which encodes a full-length RSV F protein but contains a
translational stop codon immediately upstream of the start of the
transmembrane coding region, thereby preventing expression of a
transmembrane region of the RSV F protein, an seen in FIG. 3 (SEQ.
ID No. 4). The lack of expression of the transmembrane region
results in a secreted form of the RSV F protein.
The second nucleotide sequence may comprise a pair of splice sites
to prevent aberrant mRNA splicing, whereby substantially all mRNA
encodes the RSV protein. Such second nucleotide sequence may be
located between the first nucleotide sequence and the promoter
sequence.
Such second nucleotide sequence preferably is that of rabbit
.beta.-globin intron II, as shown in FIG. 8 (SEQ ID No: 5).
A vector encoding the F protein and provided by this aspect of the
invention may specifically be pXL2 or pXL4, as seen in FIGS. 5 or
7.
The promoter sequence preferably is an immediate early
cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Such cytomegalovirus promoter has
not previously been employed in vectors containing nucleotide
sequences encoding an RSV F protein. Accordingly, in another aspect
of the invention, there is provided a vector, comprising:
a first nucleotide sequence encoding a RSV F protein or a protein
capable of generating antibodies that specifically react with RSV F
protein, and
a cytomegalovirus promoter operatively coupled to the first
nucleotide sequence for expression of the RMV F protein.
The first nucleotide sequence may be any of the alternatives
described above. The second nucleotide sequence described above
also may be present in a vector provided in accordance with this
second aspect of the invention.
Certain of the vectors provided herein may be used to immunize a
host against RSV infection or disease using RSV F protein lacking a
transmembrane region. In accordance with a further aspect of the
present invention, therefore, there is provided a method of
immunizing a host against disease caused by infection with
respiratory syncytial virus, which comprises administering to the
host an effective amount of a vector comprising a first nucleotide
sequence encoding an RSV F or on RSV F protein lacking a
transmembrane region and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to
the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the RSV F protein
in the host, which may be a human host. The promoter preferably is
an immediate early cytomegalovirus promoter.
The nucleotide sequence encoding the truncated RSV F protein may be
that as described above.
A vector containing a second nucleotide, sequence located adjacent
a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV F protein and effective
to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F protein
expressed by the first nucleotide sequence may be used to immunize
a host. Accordingly, in an additional aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method of immunizing a host against
disease caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),
which comprises administering to the host an effective amount of a
vector comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV F
protein or a protein capable of generating antibodies that
specifically react with RSV F protein, a promoter sequence
operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression
of the RSV F protein, and a second nucleotide sequence located
adjacent the first sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability
of the RSV-F protein when expressed in vivo from said vector in
said host. Specific vectors which may be used in this aspect of the
invention are those identified as pXL2 and pXL4 in FIGS. 5 and
7.
The present invention also includes a novel method of using a gone
encoding an RSV F protein or a protein capable of generating
antibodies that specifically react with RSV F protein to protect a
host against disease caused by infection with respiratory syncytial
virus, which comprises:
isolating the gene,
operatively linking the gene to at least one control sequence to
produce a vector, said control sequence directing expression of the
RSV F protein when introduced into a host to produce an immune
response to the RSV F protein, and
introducing the vector into a host.
The procedure provided in accordance with this aspect of the
invention may further include the step of:
operatively linking the gene to an immunoprotection enhancing
sequence to produce an enhanced immunoprotection to the RSV F
protein in the host, preferably by introducing the immunoprotection
enhancing sequence between the control sequence and the gene.
In addition, the present invention includes a method of producing a
vaccine for protection of a host against disease caused by
infection with respiratory syncytial virus, which comprises:
isolating a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV F protein or
a protein capable of generating antibodies that specifically react
with RSV F protein, operatively linking the first nucleotide
sequence to at least one control sequence to produce a vector, the
control sequence directing expression of the RSV F protein when
introduced to a host to produce an immune response to the RSV F
protein, and
formulating the vector as a vaccine for in vivo administration to a
host.
The first nucleotide sequence further may be operatively linked to
a second nucleotide sequence to enhance the immunoprotective
ability of the RSV F protein when expressed in vivo from the vector
in a host. The vector may be selected from pXL1, pXL2 and pXL4. The
invention further includes a vaccine for administration to a host,
including a human host, produced by this method as wall an
immunogenic compositions comprising an immunoeffective amount of
the vectors described herein.
As noted previously, the vectors provided herein are useful in
diagnostic applications. In a further aspect of the invention,
therefore, there is provided a method of determining the presence
of an RSV F protein in a sample, comprising the steps of:
(a) immunizing a host with a vector comprising a first nucleotide
sequence encoding an RSV F protein or a protein capable of
generating antibodies that specifically react with RSV F protein
and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide
sequence for expression of the RSV F protein in the host to produce
antibodies specific to the RSV F protein;
(b) isolating the RSV F protein specific antibodies;
(c) contacting the sample with the isolated antibodies to produce
complexes comprising any RSV F protein present in a sample and the
RSV F protein-specific antibodies; and
(d) determining the production of the complexes.
The vector employed to elicit the antibodies may be pXL1, pXL2,
pXL3 or pXL4.
The invention also includes a diagnostic kit for detecting the
presence of an RSV F protein in a sample, comprising:
(a) a vector comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV
F protein capable of generating antibodies that specifically react
with RSV F protein and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to
said first nucleotide sequence for expression of said RSV F protein
in a host immunized therewith;
(b) means for contacting the RSV F specific antibodies with the
sample to produce a complex comprising any RSV F protein in the
sample and RSV F protein specific antibodies, and
(c) means for determining production of the complex.
The present invention is further directed to immunization wherein
the polynucleotide is an RNA molecule which codes for an RSV F
protein.
The present invention in further directed to a method for producing
polyclonal antibodies comprising the use of the immunization method
described herein, and further comprising the stop of isolating the
polyclonal antibodies from the immunized animal.
The present invention is also directed to a method for producing
monoclonal antibodies comprising the steps of:
(a) constructing a vector comprising:
a first nucleotide sequence encoding a RSV F protein;
a promoter sequence operatively coupled to said first nucleotide
sequence for expression of said RSV F protein; and, optionally,
a second nucleotide sequence located adjacent said first nucleotide
sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of said RSV F
protein when expressed in vivo from said vector in a host.
(b) administering the vector to at least one mouse to produce at
least one immunized mouse;
(c) removing B-lymphocytes from the at least one immunized
mouse;
(d) fusing the B-lymphocytes from the at least one immunized mouse
with mycloma cells, thereby producing hybridomas;
(e) cloning the hybridomas;
(f) selecting clones which produce anti-F protein antibody;
(g) culturing the anti-F protein antibody-producing clones; and
then
(h) isolating anti-F protein antibodies.
In this application, the term "RSV F protein" in used to define a
full-length RSV F protein, secreted form of RSV F protein lacking a
transmembrane region, such proteins having variations in their
amino acid sequences including those naturally occurring in various
strains of RSV, as well as functional analogs of the RSV F protein.
In this application, a first protein is a "functional analog" of a
second protein if the first protein is immunologically related to
and/or has the same function as the second protein. The functional
analog may be, for example, a fragment of the protein or a
substitution, addition or deletion mutant thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention will be further understood from the following
general description and Examples with reference to the Figures in
which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a restriction map of the gene encoding the F
protein of Respiratory Syncytial virus;
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E show the nucleotide sequence of the
gene encoding the membrane attached form of the F protein of
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (SEQ ID No: 1) as well as the amino
acid sequence of the RSV F protein encoded thereby (SEQ ID No:
2);
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show the nucleotide sequence of the gene
encoding the secreted form of the RSV F protein (SEQ ID No: 3) as
wall an the amino acid sequence of the truncated RSV F protein
encoded thereby (SEQ ID No: 4);
FIG. 4 shows the construction of plasmid pXL1 containing the gone
encoding a secreted form of the RV F protein;
FIG. 5 shows the construction of plasmid pXL2 containing a gene
encoding secreted form of the RSV F protein and containing the
rabbit .beta.-globin Intron II sequence;
FIG. 6 shows the construction of plasmid pXL3 containing the gene
encoding a membrane attached form of the RSV F protein;
FIG. 7 shows the construction of plasmid pXL4 containing a gene
encoding a membrane attached form of the RSV F protein and
containing the rabbit .beta.-globin Intron II sequence; and
FIG. 8 shows the nucleotide sequence for the rabbit .beta.-globin
Intron II sequence (SEQ ID No. 5).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
As described above, the present invention relates generally to DNA
immunization to obtain protection against infection by respiratory
syncytial virus and to diagnostic procedures using particular
vectors. In the present invention, several recombinant vectors are
constructed to contain a nucleotide sequence encoding an RSV F
protein.
The nucleotide sequence of the RSV F gene is shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ
ID No: 1). Certain constructs provided herein include the
nucleotide sequence encoding the full-length RSV-F protein while
others include an RSV F gene modified by insertion of termination
codons immediately upstream of the transmembrane coding region (see
FIG. 3, SEQ ID No: 3), to prevent expression of the transmembrane
portion of the protein and to produce a secreted or truncated RSV F
protein.
The nucleotide sequence encoding the RSV F protein is operatively
coupled to a promoter sequence for expression of the encoded RSV F
protein. The promoter sequence may be the immediately early
cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. This promoter is described in ref.
13. Any other convenient promoter may be used, including
constitutive promoters, such as, Rous Sarcoma Virus LTRs, and
inducible promoters, such as metallothionine promoter, and tissue
specific promoters.
The vector, when administered to an animal, effects in vivo RSV F
protein expression, as demonstrated by an antibody response in the
animal to which it is administered. Such antibodies may be used
herein in the detection of RSV protein in a sample, as described in
more detail below. When the encoded RSV F protein is in the form of
an RSV F protein from which the transmembrane region is absent,
such as plasmid pXL1 (FIG. 4), the administration of the vector
conferred protection in nice to challenge by live RSV, an seen from
the Examples below.
The recombinant vector also may include a second nucleotide
sequence located adjacent the RSV F protein encoding nucleotide
sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F
protein when expressed in vivo in a host. Such enhancement may be
provided by increased in vivo expression, for example, by increased
mRNA stability, enhanced transcription and/or translation. This
additional sequence preferably is located between the promoter
sequence and the RSV F protein-encoding sequence.
This enhancement sequence may comprise a pair of splice sites to
prevent aberrant mRNA splicing during transcription and translation
so that substantially all mRNA encodes an RSV F protein.
Specifically, rabbit .beta.-globin Intron II sequence shown in FIG.
8 (SEQ ID No: 5) may provide such splice sites, as also described
in ref. 15.
The constructs containing the Intron II sequence, CMV promoter and
nucleotide sequence coding for the truncated RSV F protein, i.e.
plasmid pXL2 (FIG. 5), induced complete protection in mice against
challenge with live RSV, as seen in the Examples below, when the
construct was administered in vivo. In addition, the constructs
containing the Intron II sequence, CMV promoter and nucleotide
sequence coding for the full-length RSV F protein, i.e. plasmid
pXL4 (FIG. 7), also conferred protection in mice to challenge with
live RSV, as seen from the Examples below.
The vector provided herein may also comprise a third nucleotide
sequence encoding a further antigen from RSV, an antigen from at
least one other pathogen or at least one immunomodulating agent,
such as cytokine. Such vector may contain said third nucleotide
sequence in a chimeric or a bicistronic structure. Alternatively,
vectors containing the third nucleotide sequence may be separately
constructed and coadministered to a host, with the nucleic acid
molecule provided herein.
The vector may further comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a
heterologous signal peptide, such an human tissue plasminogen
activator (TPA), in place of the endogenous signal peptide.
It is clearly apparent to one skilled in the art, that the various
embodiments of the present invention have many applications in the
fields of vaccination, diagnosis, treatment of, RSV infections. A
further non-limiting discussion of such uses is further presented
below.
1. Vaccine Preparation and Use
Immunogenic compositions, suitable to be used as vaccines, may be
prepared from the RSV F genes and vectors as disclosed herein. The
vaccine elicits an immune response in a subject which includes the
production of anti-F antibodies. Immunogenic compositions,
including vaccines, containing the nucleic acid may be prepared as
injectables, in physiologically-acceptable liquid solutions or
emulsions for polynucleotide administration. The nucleic acid may
be associated with liposomes, such as lecithin liposomes or other
liposomes known in the art, as a nucleic acid liposome (for
example, as described in WO 9324640, ref. 17) or the nucleic acid
may be associated with an adjuvant, as described in more detail
below. Liposomes comprising cationic lipids interact spontaneously
and rapidly with polyanions such as DNA and RNA, resulting in
liposome/nucleic acid complexes that capture up to 100% of the
polynucleotide. In addition, the polycationic complexes fuse with
cell membranes, resulting in an intracellular delivery of
polynucleotide that bypasses the degradative enzymes of the
lymosomal compartment. Published PCT application WO 94/27435
describes compositions for genetic immunization comprising cationic
lipids and polynucleotides. Agents which assist in the cellular
uptake of nucleic acid, such as calcium ions, viral proteins and
other transfection facilitating agents, may advantageously be
used.
Polynucleotide immunogenic preparations may also be formulated as
microcapsules, including biodegradable time-release particles.
Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,264 describes a particulate carrier of a
phospholipid/glycolipid/polysaccharide nature that has been termed
Bio Vecteurs Supra Moleculaires (BVSM). The particulate carriers
are intended to transport a variety of molecules having biological
activity in one of the layers thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,109 describes encapsulation of the antigens
trinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin and staphylococcal
enterotoxin B in 50:50 poly (DL-lactideco-glycolide). Other
polymers for encapsulation are suggested, such as poly(glycolide),
poly(DL-lactide-coglycolide), copolyoxalates, polycaprolactone,
poly(lactide-co-caprolactone), poly(esteramides), polyorthoesters
and poly(8-hydroxybutyric acid), and polyanhydrides.
Published PCT application WO 91/06282 describes a delivery vehicle
comprising a plurality of bioadhesive microspheres and antigens.
The microspheres being of starch, gelatin, dextran, collagen or
albumin. This delivery vehicle is particularly intended for the
uptake of vaccine across the nasal mucosa. The delivery vehicle may
additionally contain an absorption enhancer.
The RSV F genes and vectors may be mixed with pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients which are compatible therewith. Such
excipients may include, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol,
and combinations thereof. The immunogenic compositions and vaccines
may further contain auxiliary substances, such as wetting or
emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, or adjuvants to enhance
the effectiveness thereof. Immunogenic compositions and vaccines
may be administered parenterally, by injection subcutaneously,
intravenously, intradermally or intramuscularly, possibly following
pretreatment of the injection site with a local anesthetic.
Alternatively, the immunogenic compositions formed according to the
present invention, may be formulated and delivered in a manner to
evoke an immune response at mucosal surfaces. Thus, the immunogenic
composition may be administered to mucosal surfaces by, for
example, the nasal or oral (intragastric) routes. Alternatively,
other modes of administration including suppositories and oral
formulations may be desirable. For suppositories, binders and
carriers may include, for example, polyalkalene glycols or
triglycerides. Oral formulations may include normally employed
incipients, such as, for example, pharmaceutical grades of
saccharine, cellulose and magnesium carbonate. These compositions
can take the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, pills,
capsules, sustained release formulations or powders and contain
about 1 to 95% of the RSV F genes and vectors.
The immunogenic preparations and vaccines are administered in a
manner compatible with the dosage formulation, and in such amount
as will be therapeutically effective, protective and immunogenic.
The quantity to be administered depends on the subject to be
treated, including, for example, the capacity of the individual's
immune system to synthesize the RSV F protein and antibodies
thereto, and if needed, to produce a cell-mediated immune response.
Precise amounts of active ingredient required to be administered
depend on the judgment of the practitioner. However, suitable
dosage ranges are readily determinable by one skilled in the art
and may be of the order of about 1 .mu.g to about 1 mg of the RSV F
genes and vectors. Suitable regimes for initial administration and
booster doses are also variable, but may include an initial
administration followed by subsequent administrations. The dosage
may also depend on the route of administration and will vary
according to the size of the host. A vaccine which protects against
only one pathogen is a monovalent vaccine. Vaccines which contain
antigenic material of several pathogens are combined vaccines and
also belong to the present invention. Such combined vaccines
contain, for example, material from various pathogens or from
various strains of the same pathogen, or from combinations of
various pathogens.
Immunogenicity can be significantly improved if the vectors are
co-administered with adjuvants, commonly used as 0.05 to 0.1
percent solution in phosphate-buffered saline. Adjuvants enhance
the immunogenicity of an antigen but are not necessarily
immunogenic themselves. Adjuvants may act by retaining the antigen
locally near the site of administration to produce a depot effect
facilitating a slow, sustained release of antigen to cells of the
immune system. Adjuvants can also attract cells of the immune
system to an antigen depot and stimulate such cells to elicit
immune responses.
Immunostimulatory agents or adjuvants have been used for many years
to improve the host immune responses to, for example, vaccines.
Thus, adjuvants have been identified that enhance the immune
response to antigens. Some of these adjuvants are toxic, however,
and can cause undesirable side-effects, making them unsuitable for
use in humans and many animals. Indeed, only aluminum hydroxide and
aluminum phosphate (collectively commonly referred to as alum) are
routinely used as adjuvants in human and veterinary vaccines.
A wide range of extrinsic adjuvants and other immunomodulating
material can provoke potent immune responses to antigens. These
include saponins complexed to membrane protein antigens to produce
immune stimulating complexes (TSCOMS), pluronic polymers with
mineral oil, killed mycobacteria in mineral oil, Freund's complete
adjuvant, bacterial products, such as muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and
lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as wall as monophoryl lipid A, QS 21 and
polyphosphazene.
In particular embodiments of the present invention, the vector
comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding an F protein of RSV
may be delivered in conjunction with a targeting molecule to target
the vector to selected cells including cells of the immune
system.
The polynucleotide may be delivered to the host by a variety of
procedures, for example, Tang et al. (ref. 10) disclosed that
introduction of gold microprojectiles coated with DNA encoding
bovine growth hormone (BGH) into the skin of mice resulted in
production of anti-BGH antibodies in the mice, while Furth at al.
(ref. 11) showed that a jet injector could be used to transfect
skin, muscle, fat and mammary tissues of living animals.
2. Immunoassays
The RSV F genes and vectors of the present invention are useful as
immunogens for the generation of anti-F antibodies for use in
immunoassays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA),
RIAs and other non-enzyme linked antibody binding assays or
procedures known in the art. In ELISA assays, the vector first is
administered to a host to generate antibodies specific to the RSV F
protein. These RSV F-specific antibodies are immobilized onto a
selected surface, for example, a surface capable of binding the
antibodies, such as the wells of a polystyrene microtiter plate.
After washing to remove incompletely adsorbed antibodies, a
non-specific protein such as a solution of bovine serum albumin
(BSA) that is known to be antigenically neutral with regard to the
test sample may be bound to the selected surface. This allows for
blocking of nonspecific adsorption sites on the immobilizing
surface and thus reduces the background caused by nonspecific
bindings of antisera onto the surface.
The immobilizing surface is then contacted with a sample, such as
clinical or biological materials, to be tested in a manner
conducive to immune complex (antigen/antibody) formation. This
procedure may include diluting the sample with diluents, such as
solutions of BSA, bovine gamma globulin (BGG) and/or phosphate
buffered saline (PBS)/Tween. The sample is then allowed to incubate
for from about 2 to 4 hours, at temperatures such as of the order
of about 20.degree. to 37.degree. C. Following incubation, the
sample-contacted surface is washed to remove non-immunocomplexed
material. The washing procedure may include washing with a
solution, such as PBS/Tween or a borate buffer. Following formation
of specific immunocomplexes between the test sample and the bound
RSV F specific antibodies, and subsequent washing, the occurrence,
and even amount, of immunocomplex formation may be determined.
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
Certain plasmids that contain the gene encoding RSV F protein and
referred to herein have been deposited with the America Type
Culture Collection (ATCC) located at 12301 Parklawn Drive,
Rockville, Md., 20852, U.S.A., pursuant to the Budapest Treaty and
prior to the filing of this application.
Samples of the deposited plasmids will become available to the
public upon grant or a patent based upon this United States patent
application. The invention described and claimed herein is not to
be limited in scope by plasmids deposited, since the deposited
embodiment is intended only as an illustration of the invention.
Any equivalent or similar plasmids that encode similar or
equivalent antigens as described in this application are within the
scope of the invention.
______________________________________ Plasmid ATCC Designation
Date Deposited ______________________________________ pXL1 97167
May 30, 1995 pXL2 97168 May 30, 1995 pXL3 97169 May 30, 1995 pXL4
97170 May 30, 1995 ______________________________________
EXAMPLES
The above disclosure generally describes the present invention. A
more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the
following specific Examples. These Examples are described solely
for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention. Changes in form and substitution of
equivalents art contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render
expedient. Although specific terms have been employed herein, such
terms are intended in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of
limitations.
Methods of molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, and immunology
used but not explicitly described in this disclosure and these
Examples are amply reported in the scientific literature and are
well within the ability of those skilled in the art.
EXAMPLE 1
This Example describes the construction of vectors containing the
RSV F gene.
FIG. 1 shows a restriction map of the gene encoding the F protein
of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and FIG. 2 shows the nucleotide
sequence of the gene encoding the full-length RSV F protein (SEQ ID
No: 1) and the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No: 2). FIG. 3
shows the gene encoding the secreted RSV F protein (SEQ ID No: 3)
and the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No: 4).
A set of four plasmid DNA constructs were made (as shown
schematically in FIGS. 4 to 7) in which cDNA encoding the RSV-F was
subcloned downstream of the immediate-early promoter, enhancer and
intron A sequences of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and upstream of
the bovine growth hormone (BGH) poly-A site. The 1.6 Kb Sspl-PstI
fragment containing the promoter, enhancer and intron A sequences
of CMV Towne strain were initially derived from plasmid pRL43a
obtained from Dr. G. S. Hayward of Johns Hopkins University
(Pizzorno et al., J. Virol. 62, 1167-1179, 1988) and subcloned
between EcoRV and Pstl sites of pBluescript 11 +/- (stratagene).
For the construction of plasmids expressing the secretory form of
the F protein (PXLI and pXL2 in FIGS. 4 and 5), the 1.6 Rb
EcoRl-BamHl fragment containing the truncated form of the F cDNA
originally cloned from a clinical isolate belonging to subgroup A
was excised from pRSVF (ref. 18 and WO 93/14207) and subcloned
between EcoRl and BamHl sites of pSG5 (Stratagene, ref. 14). Either
the 1.6 Kb EcoRl-BamHl fragment or the 2.2 Xb Clal-BamHI fragment
was then excised from the pSG5 construct, filled-in with Klenow and
subcloned at the SmaI site of the pBluescript II SK +/- construct
containing the promoter and intron A sequences. The 0.6 Kb
ClaI-EcoRI fragment derived from pSG5 contained the intron II
sequences from rabbit .beta.-globin. Subsequently, the plasmids
were digested with HindIII, filled-in with Klenow, and digested
with XbaI to yield either a 3.2 or a 3.8 Kb fragment. These
fragments were used to replaced the 0.8 Kb NruI-XbaI fragment
containing the CMV promoter in pRc/CMV (Invitrogen), resulting in
the final pXL1 and pXL2 constructs, respectively.
For the construction of plasmids expressing the full-length F
protein (pXL3 and pXL4--FIGS. 6 and 7), the full length RSM F cDNA
was excised as a 1.9 Xb EcoRl fragment from a recombinant
pBluescript M13-SK (Stratagene) containing the insert (ref. 18 and
WO 93/14207) and subcloned at the EcoRl site of pSG5 (Stratagene).
Either the 1.9 Kb EcoRI fragment or the 2.5 Kb ClaI-BamHI fragment
was then excised from the pSG5 construct, filled-in with Klenow and
subcloned at the SmaI site of the pBluescript II SK +/- construct
containing the promoter and intron A sequences. The rest of the
construction for pXL3 and pXL4 was identical to that for pXL1 and
pXL2, an described above. Therefore, except for the CMV promoter
and intron A sequences, the rest of the vector components in pXL1
-4 were derived from plasmid pRc/CMV. Plasmids pXL1 and pXL2 were
made to express a truncated/secretory form of the F protein which
carried stop codons resulting in a C-terminal deletion of 4.8 amino
acids including the transmembrane (TM) and the C-terminal cytosolic
tail as compared to the intact molecule. In contrast, pXL3 and pXL4
were made to express the intact membrane-attached form of the RSV F
molecule containing the TM and the cytosolic c-terminal tail. The
rationale for the presence of the intron II sequences in pXL2 and
pXL4 was that this intron was reported to mediate the correct
splicing of RNAs. Since mRNA for the RSV-F has been suspected to
have a tendency towards aberrant splicing, the presence of the
intron II sequences might help to overcome this. All four plasmid
constructs were confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis.
Plasmid DNA was purified using plasmid mega kits from Qiagen
(Chatsworth, Calif., USA) according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
EXAMPLE 2
This Example describes the immunization of mice. Mice are
susceptible to infection by RSV as described in ref. 16.
Tibialis anterior muscles of groups of 9 BalB/c mice (male, 6-8
week old) (Jackson Lab.) were injected bilaterally with 2.times.50
.mu.g (1 .mu.g/.mu.l in PBS) of the four plasmid constructs,
respectively. Five days prior to the DNA injection, these muscles
were treated bilaterally with cardiotoxin (2.times.50 .mu.l of 10
.mu.M in PBS, Latoxan, France). Pretreatment of the muscles with
cardiotoxin has been reported to increase DNA uptake and to enhance
the subsequent immune responses by the intramuscular route. These
animals were boosted similarly a month later. The group of control
mice was immunized with placebo according to the same schedule.
Sera were obtained periodically from immunized mice and analyzed
for anti-RSV F-specific antibody titres by ELISA and for
RSV-specific plaque-reduction titres in vitro. For the ELISA,
96-well plates were coated with purified RSV F protein at 50 ng/ml
to which 2-fold serially diluted serum samples were applied. A
goat-anti mouse antibody alkaline phosphatase conjugate was used.
The assessment of the plaque reduction titres was essentially
accordingly to the method of Prince et al. (ref. 19) using vaccine
quanlity Vero cells. Four-fold serially diluted sera were incubated
with 50 plaque forming units (pfu) of RSV, subtype A2 (Long
strain), in culture medium at 37.degree. C. for 1 hr in the
presence of 5% CO.sub.2. Vero cells were then infected with the
mixture. Plaques ware fixed and developed 5 days later using mouse
anti-RSV-F monoclonal antibodies and donkey anti-mouse antibodies
conjugated to alkaline phosphatase. The RSV-specific plaque
reduction titre was defined as the dilution of the serum sample
yielding 60% reduction in the number of the plaques. This was
derived by linear regression from correlating numbers of the
remaining plaques with folds of the serial dilutions.
Seventy-five days after the boost immunization, mice were
challenged intranasally with 10.sup.5.4 pfu (per animal) of
mouse-adapted RMV, A2 subtype. Lungs were asceptically removed 4
days later, weighed and homogenized in 2 mL of complete culture
medium. The number of pfu in the lung homogenate was determined as
described by Prince et al (ref. 19) using vero cells.
The results of the immunizations are shown in Table 1 below, and
were analysed using SigmaStat Software (Jandel Scientific
Software).
Sera obtained from mice immunized with either construct pXL1, pXL2,
pXL3 or pXL4 demonstrated significant anti-RSV F ELISA titres as
compared to the placebo group (P<0.00061, Mann-Whitney Test).
However, there is no significant difference among mice immunized
with any of the constructs.
Sera obtained from mice immunized with constructs pXL1, pXL2, pXL3
or pXL4 demonstrated significant plaque reduction titres whereas
sera obtained from the placebo group did not (P<0.0001,
Mann-Whitney Test). However, there is no significant difference
among mice immunized with any of the constructs.
The viral lung titres, four days after viral challenge, are also
shown in Table 1. There is a significant difference between mice
immunized with either construct pXL1, pXL2, pXL3 or pXL4 and the
placebo group (P<0.0001, Mann-Whitney Test). In particular, no
virus could be detected in the lungs of mice immunized with vector
pXL2. The protection afforded by vector pXL3 was significantly
lower than the other vectors.
In terms of the number of nice protected from RSV challenge, there
is a significant difference between mice immunized with vectors
pXL1, pXL2 and pXL4 and the placebo group or mice immunized with
vector pXL3 (P<0.004, Fisher Exact Test). Furthermore, only the
pXL2 vector which expresses the secretory form of the RSV F protein
and contains the .beta.-globin intron II was able to confer
complete protection in all immunized mice. In contrast, the pXL3
vector which expresses the full length F protein and does not
contain the intron II failed to induce significant protection. None
of the mice in the placebo group were protected from viral
challenge.
The data presented in Table 1 clearly demonstrate that immunization
of a relevant RSV animal model with genes encoding F protein of RSV
can protect against disease caused by this virus.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides
certain novel vectors containing genes encoding an RSV F proteins,
methods of immunization using such vectors and methods of diagnosis
using such vectors. Modifications are possible within the scope of
this invention.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Protection of Mice
Against RSV by Immunization with Genes Encoding the F Protein Mean
Plaque Mean Virus Anti-F Protein Reduction Lung Titre@ No. Fully
Immu- No. ELISA Titre Titre* (pfu/g lung) Protected nogen Mice
(Log.sub.2 .+-. SD)* (Log.sub.4 .+-. SD) (Log.sub.10 .+-. SD)
Mice** ______________________________________ pXL1 8 9.64 .+-. 1.85
3.74 .+-. 0.98 0.72 .+-. 0.99 5 pXL2 9 12.42 .+-. 1.72 4.82 .+-.
0.51 0.00 .+-. 0.00 9 pXL3 8 10.39 .+-. 2.05 4.59 .+-. 1.16 2.77
.+-. 0.72 0 pXL4 9 12.08 .+-. 1.13 5.18 .+-. 0.43 0.66 .+-. 1.00 6
Pla- 12 6.12 .+-. 2.89 0.18 .+-. 0.62 3.92 .+-. 0.27 0 cebo***
______________________________________ *Sera obtained 1 week prior
to the viral challenge. @Detection sensitivity of the assay was
10.sup.1.96 pfu/g lung. **The term, fully protected mice, refers to
animals with undetectable RSV titres in lungs (ref. 17) ***RSV F
deficient pXL1
REFERENCES
1. McIntosh K., Canock, R. M. In: Fields B. N., Knipe, D. M.,
editors. Virology. New York: Raven Press: 1990: 1045-1072
2. Katz S. L., In: New Vaccine Development establishing priorities.
Vol. 1. Washington: National Academic Press: 1985: 397-409.
3. Wert G. W., Sullender W. M., Biotechnology 1992; 20: 151-176
4. Johnson et al., J. Virol 1987, 61: 3163-3166
5. Pemberton et al., J. Gen Virol. 1987, 68: 2177-2182
6. Crowe, J. E., Vaccine 1995, 13; 415-421
7. WO 90/11092
8. WO 94/21797
9. Ulmer, Current Opinion, Invest Drugs, 1993, 2: 983-989.
10. Tang et al., Nature 1992, 356: 152-154
11. Furth et al. Analytical Biochemistry, 1992, 205: 365-368
12. Pizzorno et al., J. Virol. 1988, 62: 1167-1179
13. Chapman, B. S.; Thayer, R. N.; Vincent, K. A. and Haigwood, N.
L., Nucl. Acids. Res. 1991, 19: 3979-3986.
14. Green, S. Isseman, I., and Sheer, E., Nucl. Acids. Res. 1988,
16: 369
15. Breathnack, R. and Harris, B. A., Nucl. Acids Res. 1983, 11:
7119-7136
16. Graham, B. S.; Perkins, M. D.; Wright, P. F. and Karzon, D. T.
J. Mod. Virol. 1988 26: 153-162.
17. Nabel, G. J. 1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:
11307-11311.
18. Du, R. P. et al. 1994., Biotechnology 12: 813-818.
19. Prince, G. A. et al, 1978. Ame. J. Patho. 93: 771-790.
__________________________________________________________________________
# SEQUENCE LISTING - - - - (1) GENERAL INFORMATION: - - (iii)
NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 5 - - - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:1: - -
(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 1886 base - #pairs (B)
TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear -
- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1: - - ATGGAGTTGC CAATCCTCAA
AGCAAATGCA ATTACCACAA TCCTCGCTGC AG - #TCACATTT 60 - - TGCTTTGCTT
CTAGTCAAAA CATCACTGAA GAATTTTATC AATCAACATG CA - #GTGCAGTT 120 - -
AGCAAAGGCT ATCTTAGTGC TCTAAGAACT GGTTGGTATA CTAGTGTTAT AA -
#CTATAGAA 180 - - TTAAGTAATA TCAAGGAAAA TAAGTGTAAT GGAACAGATG
CTAAGGTAAA AT - #TGATGAAA 240 - - CAAGAATTAG ATAAATATAA AAATGCTGTA
ACAGAATTGC AGTTGCTCAT GC - #AAAGCACA 300 - - CCAGCAGCAA ACAATCGAGC
CAGAAGAGAA CTACCAAGGT TTATGAATTA TA - #CACTCAAC 360 - - AATACCAAAA
AAACCAATGT AACATTAAGC AAGAAAAGGA AAAGAAGATT TC - #TTGGTTTT 420 - -
TTGTTAGGTG TTGGATCTGC AATCGCCAGT GGCATTGCTG TATCTAAGGT CC -
#TGCACTTA 480 - - GAAGGAGAAG TGAACAAGAT CAAAAGTGCT CTACTATCCA
CAAACAAGGC CG - #TAGTCAGC 540 - - TTATCAAATG GAGTTAGTGT CTTAACCAGC
AAAGTGTTAG ACCTCAAAAA CT - #ATATAGAT 600 - - AAACAATTGT TACCTATTGT
GAATAAGCAA AGCTGCAGAA TATCAAATAT AG - #AAACTGTG 660 - - ATAGAGTTCC
AACAAAAGAA CAACAGACTA CTAGAGATTA CCAGGGAATT TA - #GTGTTAAT 720 - -
GCAGGTGTAA CTACACCTGT AAGCACTTAC ATGTTAACTA ATAGTGAATT AT -
#TGTCATTA 780 - - ATCAATGATA TGCCTATAAC AAATGATCAG AAAAAGTTAA
TGTCCAACAA TG - #TTCAAATA 840 - - GTTAGACAGC AAAGTTACTC TATCATGTCC
ATAATAAAAG AGGAAGTCTT AG - #CATATGTA 900 - - GTACAATTAC CACTATATGG
TGTGATAGAT ACACCTTGTT GGAAATTACA CA - #CATCCCCT 960 - - CTATGTACAA
CCAACACAAA AGAAGGGTCA AACATCTGTT TAACAAGAAC TG - #ACAGAGGA 1020 - -
TGGTACTGTG ACAATGCAGG ATCAGTATCT TTCTTCCCAC AAGCTGAAAC AT -
#GTAAAGTT 1080 - - CAATCGAATC GAGTATTTTG TGACACAATG AACAGTTTAA
CATTACCAAG TG - #AAGTAAAT 1140 - - CTCTGCAATG TTGACATATT CAATCCCAAA
TATGATTGTA AAATTATGAC TT - #CAAAAACA 1200 - - GATGTAAGCA GCTCCGTTAT
CACATCTCTA GGAGCCATTG TGTCATGCTA TG - #GCAAAACT 1260 - - AAATGTACAG
CATCCAATAA AAATCGTGGA ATCATAAAGA CATTTTCTAA CG - #GGTGTGAT 1320 - -
TATGTATCAA ATAAAGGGGT GGACACTGTG TCTGTAGGTA ACACATTATA TT -
#ATGTAAAT 1380 - - AAGCAAGAAG GCAAAAGTCT CTATGTAAAA GGTGAACCAA
TAATAAATTT CT - #ATGACCCA 1440 - - TTAGTATTCC CCTCTGATGA ATTTGATGCA
TCAATATCTC AAGTCAATGA GA - #AGATTAAC 1500 - - CAGAGTTTAG CATTTATTCG
TAAATCCGAT GAATTATTAC ATAATGTAAA TG - #CTGGTAAA 1560 - - TCAACCACAA
ATATCATGAT AACTACTATA ATTATAGTGA TTATAGTAAT AT - #TGTTATCA 1620 - -
TTAATTGCTG TTGGACTGCT CCTATACTGT AAGGCCAGAA GCACACCAGT CA -
#CACTAAGC 1680 - - AAGGATCAAC TGAGTGGTAT AAATAATATT GCATTTAGTA
ACTGAATAAA AA - #TAGCACCT 1740 - - AATCATGTTC TTACAATGGT TTACTATCTG
CTCATAGACA ACCCATCTAT CA - #TTGGATTT 1800 - - TCTTAAAATC TGAACTTCAT
CGAAACTCTT ATCTATAAAC CATCTCACTT AC - #ACTATTTA 1860 - - AGTAGATTCC
TAGTTTATAG TTATAT - # - # 1886 - - - - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID
NO:2: - - (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 594 amino -
#acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY:
linear - - (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2: - - Met Glu Leu
Pro Ile Leu Lys Ala Asn Ala Il - #e Thr Thr Ile Leu Ala 1 5 - # 10
- # 15 - - Ala Val Thr Phe Cys Phe Ala Ser Ser Gln As - #n Ile Thr
Glu Glu Phe 20 - # 25 - # 30 - - Tyr Gln Ser Thr Cys Ser Ala Val
Ser Lys Gl - #y Tyr Leu Ser Ala Leu 35 - # 40 - # 45 - - Arg Thr
Gly Trp Tyr Thr Ser Val Ile Thr Il - #e Glu Leu Ser Asn Ile 50 - #
55 - # 60 - - Lys Glu Asn Lys Cys Asn Gly Thr Asp Ala Ly - #s Val
Lys Leu Met Lys 65 - #70 - #75 - #80 - - Gln Glu Leu Asp Lys Tyr
Lys Asn Ala Val Th - #r Glu Leu Gln Leu Leu 85 - # 90 - # 95 - -
Met Gln Ser Thr Pro Ala Ala Asn Asn Arg Al - #a Arg Arg Glu Leu Pro
100 - # 105 - # 110 - - Arg Phe Met Asn Tyr Thr Leu Asn Asn Thr Ly
- #s Lys Thr Asn Val Thr 115 - # 120 - # 125 - - Leu Ser Lys Lys
Arg Lys Arg Arg Phe Leu Gl - #y Phe Leu Leu Gly Val 130 - # 135 - #
140 - - Gly Ser Ala Ile Ala Ser Gly Ile Ala Val Se - #r Lys Val Leu
His Leu 145 1 - #50 1 - #55 1 - #60 - - Glu Gly Glu Val Asn Lys Ile
Lys Ser Ala Le - #u Leu Ser Thr Asn Lys 165 - # 170 - # 175 - - Ala
Val Val Ser Leu Ser Asn Gly Val Ser Va - #l Leu Thr Ser Lys Val 180
- # 185 - # 190 - - Leu Asp Leu Lys Asn Tyr Ile Asp Lys Gln Le - #u
Leu Pro Ile Val Asn 195 - # 200 - # 205 - - Lys Arg Ser Cys Arg Ile
Ser Asn Ile Glu Th - #r Val Ile Glu Phe Gln 210 - # 215 - # 220 - -
His Lys Asn Asn Arg Leu Leu Glu Ile Thr Ar - #g Glu Phe Ser Val Asn
225 2 - #30 2 - #35 2 - #40 - - Ala Gly Val Thr Thr Pro Val Ser Thr
Tyr Me - #t Leu Thr Asn Ser Glu 245 - # 250 - # 255 - - Leu Leu Ser
Leu Ile Asn Asp Met Pro Ile Th - #r Asn Asp Gln Lys Lys 260 - # 265
- # 270 - - Leu Met Ser Asn Asn Val Gln Ile Val Arg Gl - #n Gln Ser
Tyr Ser Ile 275 - # 280 - # 285 - - Met Ser Ile Ile Lys Glu Glu Val
Leu Ala Ty - #r Val Val Gln Leu Pro 290 - # 295 - # 300 - - Leu Tyr
Gly Val Ile Asp Thr Pro Cys Trp Ly - #s Leu His Thr Ser Pro 305 3 -
#10 3 - #15 3 - #20 - - Leu Cys Thr Thr Asn Thr Lys Glu Gly Ser As
- #n Ile Cys Leu Thr Arg 325 - # 330 - # 335 - - Thr Asp Arg Gly
Trp Tyr Cys Asp Asn Ala Gl - #y Ser Val Ser Phe Phe 340 - # 345 - #
350 - - Pro Gln Ala Glu Thr Cys Lys Val Gln Ser As - #n Arg Val Phe
Cys Asp 355 - # 360 - # 365 - - Thr Met Asn Ser Leu Thr Leu Pro Ser
Glu Va - #l Asn Leu Cys Asn Val 370 - # 375 - # 380 - - Asp Ile Phe
Asn Pro Lys Tyr Asp Cys Lys Il - #e Met Thr Ser Lys Thr 385 3 - #90
3 - #95 4 - #00 - - Asp Val Ser Ser Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu Gl - #y
Ala Ile Val Ser Cys 405 - # 410 - # 415 - - Tyr Gly Lys Thr Lys Cys
Thr Ala Ser Asn Ly - #s Asn Arg Gly Ile Ile 420 - # 425 - # 430 - -
Lys Thr Phe Ser Asn Gly Cys Asp Tyr Val Se - #r Asn Lys Gly Val Asp
435 - # 440 - # 445 - - Thr Val Ser Val Gly Asn Thr Leu Tyr Tyr Va
- #l Asn Lys Gln Glu Gly 450 - # 455 - # 460 - - Lys Ser Leu Tyr
Val Lys Gly Glu Pro Ile Il - #e Asn Phe Tyr Asp Pro 465 4 - #70 4 -
#75 4 - #80 - - Leu Val Phe Pro Ser Asp Glu Phe Asp Ala Se - #r Ile
Ser Gln Val Asn 485 - # 490 - # 495 - - Glu Lys Ile Asn Leu Val Phe
Pro Ser Asp Gl - #u Phe Asp Ala Ser Ile 500 - # 505 - # 510 - - Ser
Gln Val Asn Glu Lys Ile Asn Gln Ser Le - #u Ala Phe Ile Arg Lys 515
- # 520 - # 525 - - Ser Asp Glu Leu Leu His Asn Val Asn Ala Gl - #y
Lys Ser Thr Thr Asn 530 - # 535 - # 540 - - Ile Met Ile Thr Thr Ile
Ile Ile Glu Ile Il - #e Val Ile Leu Leu Ser 545 5 - #50 5 - #55 5 -
#60 - - Leu Ile Ala Val Gly Leu Leu Leu Tyr Cys Ly - #s Ala Arg Ser
Thr Pro 565 - # 570 - # 575 - - Val Thr Leu Ser Lys Asp Gln Leu Ser
Gly Il - #e Asn Asn Ile Ala Phe 580 - # 585 - # 590 - - Ser Asn - -
- - (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3: - - (i) SEQUENCE
CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 1904 base - #pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic
acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear - - (xi)
SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3: - - ATGGAGTTGC CAATCCTCAA
AGCAAATGCA ATTACCACAA TCCTCGCTGC AG - #TCACATTT 60 - - TGCTTTGCTT
CTAGTCAAAA CATCACTGAA GAATTTTATC AATCAACATG CA - #GTGCAGTT 120 - -
AGCAAAGGCT ATCTTAGTGC TCTAAGAACT GGTTGGTATA CTAGTGTTAT AA -
#CTATAGAA 180 - - TTAAGTAATA TCAAGGAAAA TAAGTGTAAT GGAACAGATG
CTAAGGTAAA AT - #TGATGAAA 240 - - CAAGAATTAG ATAAATATAA AAATGCTGTA
ACAGAATTGC AGTTGCTCAT GC - #AAAGCACA 300 - - CCAGCAGCAA ACAATCGAGC
CAGAAGAGAA CTACCAAGGT TTATGAATTA TA - #CACTCAAC 360 - - AATACCAAAA
AAACCAATGT AACATTAAGC AAGAAAAGGA AAAGAAGATT TC - #TTGGTTTT 420 - -
TTGTTAGGTG TTGGATCTGC AATCGCCAGT GGCATTGCTG TATCTAAGGT CC -
#TGCACTTA 480 - - GAAGGAGAAG TGAACAAGAT CAAAAGTGCT CTACTATCCA
CAAACAAGGC CG - #TAGTCAGC 540 - - TTATCAAATG GAGTTAGTGT CTTAACCAGC
AAAGTGTTAG ACCTCAAAAA CT - #ATATAGAT 600 - - AAACAATTGT TACCTATTGT
GAATAAGCAA AGCTGCAGAA TATCAAATAT AG - #AAACTGTG 660 - - ATAGAGTTCC
AACAAAAGAA CAACAGACTA CTAGAGATTA CCAGGGAATT TA - #GTGTTAAT 720 - -
GCAGGTGTAA CTACACCTGT AAGCACTTAC ATGTTAACTA ATAGTGAATT AT -
#TGTCATTA 780 - - ATCAATGATA TGCCTATAAC AAATGATCAG AAAAAGTTAA
TGTCCAACAA TG - #TTCAAATA 840 - - GTTAGACAGC AAAGTTACTC TATCATGTCC
ATAATAAAAG AGGAAGTCTT AG - #CATATGTA 900 - - GTACAATTAC CACTATATGG
TGTGATAGAT ACACCTTGTT GGAAATTACA CA - #CATCCCCT 960 - - CTATGTACAA
CCAACACAAA AGAAGGGTCA AACATCTGTT TAACAAGAAC TG - #ACAGAGGA 1020 - -
TGGTACTGTG ACAATGCAGG ATCAGTATCT TTCTTCCCAC AAGCTGAAAC AT -
#GTAAAGTT 1080 - - CAATCGAATC GAGTATTTTG TGACACAATG AACAGTTTAA
CATTACCAAG TG - #AAGTAAAT 1140 - - CTCTGCAATG TTGACATATT CAATCCCAAA
TATGATTGTA AAATTATGAC TT - #CAAAAACA 1200 - - GATGTAAGCA GCTCCGTTAT
CACATCTCTA GGAGCCATTG TGTCATGCTA TG - #GCAAAACT 1260 - - AAATGTACAG
CATCCAATAA AAATCGTGGA ATCATAAAGA CATTTTCTAA CG - #GGTGTGAT 1320 - -
TATGTATCAA ATAAAGGGGT GGACACTGTG TCTGTAGGTA ACACATTATA TT -
#ATGTAAAT 1380 - - AAGCAAGAAG GCAAAAGTCT CTATGTAAAA GGTGAACCAA
TAATAAATTT CT - #ATGACCCA 1440 - - TTAGTATTCC CCTCTGATGA ATTTGATGCA
TCAATATCTC AAGTCAATGA GA - #AGATTAAC 1500 - - CAGAGTTTAG CATTTATTCG
TAAATCCGAT GAATTATTAC ATAATGTAAA TG - #CTGGTAAA 1560 - - TCAACCACAA
ATATCATGAC TTGATAATGA GGATCCATAA CTACTATAAT TA - #TAGTGATT 1620 - -
ATAGTAATAT TGTTATCATT AATTGCTGTT GGACTGCTCC TATACTGTAA GG -
#CCAGAAGC 1680 - - ACACCAGTCA CACTAAGCAA GGATCAACTG AGTGGTATAA
ATAATATTGC AT - #TTAGTAAC 1740 - - TGAATAAAAA TAGCACCTAA TCATGTTCTT
ACAATGGTTT ACTATCTGCT CA - #TAGACAAC 1800 - - CCATCTATCA TTGGATTTTC
TTAAAATCTG AACTTCATCG AAACTCTTAT CT - #ATAAACCA 1860 - - TCTCACTTAC
ACTATTTAAG TAGATTCCTA GTTTATAGTT ATAT - # 190 - #4 - - - - (2)
INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4: - - (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A)
LENGTH: 527 amino - #acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS:
single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear - - (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID
NO:4: - - Met Glu Leu Pro Ile Leu Lys Ala Asn Ala Il - #e Thr Thr
Ile Leu Ala 1 5 - # 10 - # 15 - - Ala Val Thr Phe Cys Phe Ala Ser
Ser Gln As - #n Ile Thr Glu Glu Phe 20 - # 25 - # 30
- - Tyr Gln Ser Thr Cys Ser Ala Val Ser Lys Gl - #y Tyr Leu Ser Ala
Leu 35 - # 40 - # 45 - - Arg Thr Gly Trp Tyr Thr Ser Val Ile Thr Il
- #e Glu Leu Ser Asn Ile 50 - # 55 - # 60 - - Lys Glu Asn Lys Cys
Asn Gly Thr Asp Ala Ly - #s Val Lys Leu Met Lys 65 - #70 - #75 -
#80 - - Gln Glu Leu Asp Lys Tyr Lys Asn Ala Val Th - #r Glu Leu Gln
Leu Leu 85 - # 90 - # 95 - - Met Gln Ser Thr Pro Ala Ala Asn Asn
Arg Al - #a Arg Arg Glu Leu Pro 100 - # 105 - # 110 - - Arg Phe Met
Asn Tyr Thr Leu Asn Asn Thr Ly - #s Lys Thr Asn Val Thr 115 - # 120
- # 125 - - Leu Ser Lys Lys Arg Lys Arg Arg Phe Leu Gl - #y Phe Leu
Leu Gly Val 130 - # 135 - # 140 - - Gly Ser Ala Ile Ala Ser Gly Ile
Ala Val Se - #r Lys Val Leu His Leu 145 1 - #50 1 - #55 1 - #60 - -
Glu Gly Glu Val Asn Lys Ile Lys Ser Ala Le - #u Leu Ser Thr Asn Lys
165 - # 170 - # 175 - - Ala Val Val Ser Leu Ser Asn Gly Val Ser Va
- #l Leu Thr Ser Lys Val 180 - # 185 - # 190 - - Leu Asp Leu Lys
Asn Tyr Ile Asp Lys Gln Le - #u Leu Pro Ile Val Asn 195 - # 200 - #
205 - - Lys Gln Ser Cys Arg Ile Ser Asn Ile Glu Th - #r Val Ile Glu
Phe Gln 210 - # 215 - # 220 - - His Lys Asn Asn Arg Leu Leu Glu Ile
Thr Ar - #g Glu Phe Ser Val Asn 225 2 - #30 2 - #35 2 - #40 - - Ala
Gly Val Thr Thr Pro Val Ser Thr Tyr Me - #t Leu Thr Asn Ser Glu 245
- # 250 - # 255 - - Leu Leu Ser Leu Ile Asn Asp Met Pro Ile Th - #r
Asn Asp Gln Lys Lys 260 - # 265 - # 270 - - Leu Met Ser Asn Asn Val
Gln Ile Val Arg Gl - #n Gln Ser Tyr Ser Ile 275 - # 280 - # 285 - -
Met Ser Ile Ile Lys Glu Glu Val Leu Ala Ty - #r Val Val Gln Leu Pro
290 - # 295 - # 300 - - Leu Tyr Gly Val Ile Asp Thr Pro Cys Trp Ly
- #s Leu His Thr Ser Pro 305 3 - #10 3 - #15 3 - #20 - - Leu Cys
Thr Thr Asn Thr Lys Glu Gly Ser As - #n Ile Cys Leu Thr Arg 325 - #
330 - # 335 - - Thr Asp Arg Gly Trp Tyr Cys Asp Asn Ala Gl - #y Ser
Val Ser Phe Phe 340 - # 345 - # 350 - - Pro Gln Ala Glu Thr Cys Lys
Val Gln Ser As - #n Arg Val Phe Cys Asp 355 - # 360 - # 365 - - Thr
Met Asn Ser Leu Thr Leu Pro Ser Glu Va - #l Asn Leu Cys Asn Val 370
- # 375 - # 380 - - Asp Ile Phe Asn Pro Lys Tyr Asp Cys Lys Il - #e
Met Thr Ser Lys Thr 385 3 - #90 3 - #95 4 - #00 - - Asp Val Ser Ser
Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu Gl - #y Ala Ile Val Ser Cys 405 - # 410 - #
415 - - Tyr Gly Lys Thr Lys Cys Thr Ala Ser Asn Ly - #s Asn Arg Gly
Ile Ile 420 - # 425 - # 430 - - Lys Thr Phe Ser Asn Gly Cys Asp Tyr
Val Se - #r Asn Lys Gly Val Asp 435 - # 440 - # 445 - - Thr Val Ser
Val Gly Asn Thr Leu Tyr Tyr Va - #l Asn Lys Gln Glu Gly 450 - # 455
- # 460 - - Lys Ser Leu Tyr Val Lys Gly Glu Pro Ile Il - #e Asn Phe
Tyr Asp Pro 465 4 - #70 4 - #75 4 - #80 - - Leu Val Phe Pro Ser Asp
Glu Phe Asp Ala Se - #r Ile Ser Gln Val Asn 485 - # 490 - # 495 - -
Glu Lys Ile Asn Gln Ser Leu Ala Phe Ile Ar - #g Lys Ser Asp Glu Leu
500 - # 505 - # 510 - - Leu His Asn Val Asn Ala Gly Lys Ser Thr Th
- #r Asn Ile Met Thr 515 - # 520 - # 525 - - - - (2) INFORMATION
FOR SEQ ID NO:5: - - (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 573
base - #pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D)
TOPOLOGY: linear - - (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5: - -
GTGAGTTTGG GGACCCTTGA TTGTTCTTTC TTTTTCGCTA TTGTAAAATT CA -
#TGTTATAT 60 - - GGAGGGGGCA AAGTTTTCAG GGTGTTGTTT AGAATGGGAA
GATGTCCCTT GT - #ATCACCAT 120 - - GGACCCTCAT GATAATTTTG TTTCTTTCAC
TTTCTACTCT GTTGACAACC AT - #TGTCTCCT 180 - - CTTATTTTCT TTTCATTTTC
TGTAACTTTT TCGTTAAACT TTAGCTTGCA TT - #TGTAACGA 240 - - ATTTTTAAAT
TCACTTTTGT TTATTTGTCA GATTGTAAGT ACTTTCTCTA AT - #CACTTTTT 300 - -
TTTCAAGGCA ATCAGGGTAT ATTATATTGT ACTTCAGCAC AGTTTTAGAG AA -
#CAATTGTT 360 - - ATAATTAAAT GATAAGGTAG AATATTTCTG CATATAAATT
CTGGCTGGCG TG - #GAAATATT 420 - - CTTATTGGTA GAAACAACTA CATCCTGGTC
ATCATCCTGC CTTTCTCTTT AT - #GGTTACAA 480 - - TGATATACAC TGTTTGAGAT
GAGGATAAAA TACTCTGAGT CCAAACCGGG CC - #CCTCTGCT 540 - - AACCATGTTC
ATGCCTTCTT CTTTTTCCTA CAG - # - # 573
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